WASHINGTON: Senior aides to US President Donald Trump are pushing to prevent the Iran conflict from escalating before November’s midterm elections, four people familiar with internal discussions told Reuters, as Washington and Tehran continue exchanging strikes.
White House officials could consider expanding military action after the November 3 vote, the sources said, although a return to full-scale warfare remains uncertain.
For now, the administration reportedly intends to intensify economic pressure on Tehran in hopes of securing concessions that months of military operations failed to achieve.
One White House official told Reuters that maintaining pressure on Iran remained important, but added that “November is a priority.”
Political and Military Pressures Shape White House Strategy
Keeping the conflict relatively contained could prevent an unpopular war from dominating Republican campaigns as the party seeks to protect narrow congressional majorities.
A late-August Reuters/Ipsos poll found 31% of Americans approved of the war while 63% disapproved.
Furthermore, a quieter period could allow the US military to replenish depleted munitions. Reuters previously reported that stocks of some precision weapons had fallen sharply, while the Pentagon maintains that forces have what they need.
Renewed US-Iran Strikes Threaten Containment Effort
However, recent exchanges underline the difficulty of limiting escalation. The US struck targets on Iran’s Larak Island over the weekend, after which Iran launched missiles towards Jordan and the UAE. Washington subsequently carried out additional strikes around the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has warned Iran against further retaliation, threatening significantly stronger attacks.
Meanwhile, administration officials have expanded sanctions and economic pressure while maintaining a naval blockade.
Nevertheless, analysts warn the strategy could itself trigger Iranian retaliation. China’s unwillingness to join Washington’s economic isolation campaign could also limit the effectiveness of US pressure on Tehran.
